Each ear, May 16 marks the International Day of the Boy Child — a day dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked voices and needs of boys, and fostering an environment where they can grow up emotionally, physically, and socially healthy.
To mark this important occasion, our team carried out a school-based intervention at Government Secondary School, Kuje, with a specific focus on boys with special needs. The day was filled with connection, learning, and a renewed commitment to inclusive development.
Creating Space for Every Boy
Our visit wasn’t just about celebration — it was about intention.
We engaged directly with a group of boys with disabilities, listening to their personal experiences, aspirations, and challenges. These boys, often marginalized in both education and social programs, reminded us of a fundamental truth: every child matters — and every boy deserves to be heard.
We facilitated conversations that gave them the space to speak freely and asked questions that challenged stereotypes around masculinity and vulnerability. The result? Insightful, hopeful dialogue that highlighted the resilience and brilliance of boys often left unseen.
Rethinking Masculinity and Mental Health
Society often teaches boys to be tough, to hide their emotions, and to avoid asking for help. But these messages can cause lasting harm.
During our sessions, we spoke about positive masculinity and the importance of emotional awareness. We encouraged the boys to express themselves and understand that seeking support is a strength — not a weakness.
Building boys into confident, empathetic, and respectful young men starts with breaking down these harmful gender norms — especially for those who already face the double burden of exclusion due to disability.
Inclusion Is a Right, Not a Privilege
At the heart of our intervention was a message we must all embrace: true inclusion goes beyond access — it’s about belonging.
We must move from occasional outreach to sustained commitment — from token support to systemic inclusion. And that begins in our schools, our communities, and our everyday interactions with boys who may learn, move, or communicate differently from the majority.
What We Learned
Boys with special needs want to be heard — not pitied.
Inclusion builds confidence, connection, and self-worth.
Empowering boys creates a ripple effect of positive change across homes, schools, and communities.Looking Ahead: Our Call to Action
As we reflect on this year’s theme, we reaffirm our mission to create a nurturing, empowering environment for every boy to thrive.
We call on:
Educators to foster inclusive classrooms that support emotional and academic growth.
Parents and caregivers to encourage empathy and communication at home.
Policy makers to prioritize disability-inclusive education and mental health resources.
Civil society actors to ensure that boys — particularly those with special needs — are not left out of programming and advocacy efforts.Because Every Boy Deserves a Future He Can Believe In
Our time at Government Secondary School, Kuje was a reminder that real change begins with presence and listening. We are grateful to the boys who shared their stories, the staff who welcomed us, and our team who continue to champion inclusion across all spaces.
Together, we can raise a generation of boys who feel safe, seen, and supported.
